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Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement after the Trump Administration issued a “public health emergency” declaration on the opioid epidemic that does not itself provide states with any additional resources to address this deadly epidemic:

“The White House’s public health emergency declaration will hopefully be a first step toward seriously confronting the opioid epidemic by this Administration, but much more remains to be done. It is deeply concerning that this declaration, which comes a full three months after the President’s Commission on the Opioid Crisis’s report, fails to authorize federal funding to help those Americans locked in a life-or-death struggle with opioid addiction.

“The opioid epidemic is stealing the lives of over 140 Americans every day, and is inflicting a savage daily toll on families and communities in every corner of the country. When will the Administration send up a serious request for funding to fight this crisis? It is long past time that the Trump Administration treat this public health catastrophe with the seriousness and urgency it requires, and also immediately end its spiteful sabotage of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and SAMHSA.

“Democrats urge Republicans to join us to build on the progress of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which has provided a vital lifeline for tens of thousands of Americans struggling with opioid addiction. We will continue to fight to send states the resources needed to combat this crisis, and will fight to improve prevention and expand access to care, so that we can bring treatment and care to the men and women fighting for their lives.”